No raining on street parade

THE Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival will celebrate fifty years after its street parade was given the green light to return in March next year.

While the festival committee announced in October all 2022 events will be cancelled due to concerns around social distancing requirements, acting president of the committee Laurie Fitzgerald is now confident the festival will go ahead.

“Eaglehawk will once again be able to celebrate its community spirit in a range of activities that will bring people together from all walks of life in the Borough as it presents an ideal opportunity for a refreshed festival,” he said.

“A community survey and forum attracted a lot of participation and displayed a sense of optimism to encourage organisers to proceed.

“While there are still many hurdles to jump, the festival model allows for all sorts of organisations and schools to participate in the parade and conduct events which will not only contribute to the fun and excitement of a festival but will also allow all of those organisations to gain the benefits of fundraising and promotion of what they do.”

The committee is now looking for people, organisations and venues to get involved in the planning process, with a public meeting to be held this Monday at 7pm at the Eaglehawk Uniting Church hall.

“While the festival committee conducts the street parade, it supports all the other activities with insurance, promotion and possible venues,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“Organisations are encouraged to get in touch with their creative ideas for the festival. Music, film, artworks, literary awards, food, garden and sporting activities will all be included.

“The committee is aware that more businesses need to be involved and perhaps a huge market fair with music before the parade could be considered in the main street.

“Eaglehawk has wonderful gardens and parkland along with Mulga Bill’s playground so events can be considered for all of these venues. I want to encourage new ideas.”